Net Calories of 1000

rebeccaoneillcarter

I've not been doing this for very long, but lately I've been struggling to net 1200 calories with my diet and exercise. I usually hover around 1000. (Eating around 1200, but exercising negating calories). I read the stickies, and I understand how the body can go into starvation mode, but I'm not hungry! I mean, I'm sure I could force myself to eat more, but should I? Hypothetically, would it be better to stay at 1000 calories or eat a cookie or piece of candy to get to 1200? (Yes I know carrots would be a better choice, but humor me.)

Thanks!

rebeccaoneillcarter

I forgot to add... I'm 26, female, and 5'1. Thanks!

MyaPapaya75

have a bowl of soup and salad or two handfulls of nuts and get close to 1200

bainos

Dont listen to anybody but your own body. Dont forget 3500 calories equals 1 pound of fat. -3500 = -1 pound.

sabrinafaith

Personally, i think most doctors agree that unless you are an athlete in training, you probably don't need to consume any extra calories after a workout. I've had weight issues my entire life and never did anyone tell me that I need to have 1200 "net" calories. What they did say was exercise more and eat less and you will get results. If you aren't hungry, don't eat. Forcing yourself to is also a bad habit. It can backfire badly. I say eat until satiated and then eat again when hunger returns. Don't eat just to get yourself to a number, especially if you've eaten the minimum already. If you were eating only 1000 calories, i would say add some raisins or a banana to your breakfast, maybe a handful of nuts. But you are eating enough if you are at 1200 and you aren't hungry.

AKosky585

I've been talking with my trainer at the gym and she told me that you need to NET 1200 calories per day. I've been eating 1200 per day, but exercising 400-700 per day, so my NET is 800 or lower. I have not lost ANY weight in the 6 months of doing this. I emailed her my MFP diary link and she took a look at it. She said that I need to eat more.

I understand that everybody is different. See what works for you. If you notice that you are not getting where you want, then up your calories a bit.

NotAllWhoWanderAreLost

if you are OCCASIONALLY lower than 1200, dont sweat it. Seriously. But if you are falling under that number several times a week, you really need to look into adding a bit on your exercise days. A small bowl of cereal or a handful of nuts will get your numbers up there without stuffing yourself. You want to be burning fat, not converting your muscle tissue into energy to burn right? I have seen countless people have success when they eat a bit MORE as odd as it seems!

rebeccaoneillcarter

Thanks to everyone! I'll monitor myself a while longer, then come to some sort of decision. Luckily MFP makes it super easy! This site is amazing. Congratulations to everyone on meeting their goals and working hard!